Bolstering Kenya's Green Energy Push, KenGen Will Install 42MW of Solar Energy

Posted on : Monday , 22nd July 2024

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) intends to expand Kenya's use of renewable energy by installing 42.5 MW of solar power in the Seven Forks region.

Installing a 42.5MW solar power plant near the location of the Seven Forks dams, where KenGen produces the majority of its hydroelectricity, is the aim of the project, which is anticipated to take twenty-eight (28) months to complete. By supplying hydroelectricity during the day and conserving water for electricity generation at night, particularly during droughts, the increased capacity will not only increase the amount of renewable energy but also protect Kenyans from the growing cost of electricity.

With the objective of adding additional renewable energy to the national grid in response to climate change, the initiative being carried out in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) is a first for the NSE-listed business.  

Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira; CEO and Managing Director of KenGen, Eng. Peter Njenga; French Ambassador to Kenya, HE Arnaud Suquet; and AFD Country Director, Bertrand Willocquet, were present at the signing event.

Willocquet stated that France was eager to work with Kenya in deploying renewable energy to combat climate change, an area in which Kenya has proven its competence through the Olkaria Geothermal Field and the Seven Forks area. PS Wachira praised the decision and called it a major victory for Kenya when speaking during the signing.

Through corporate social responsibility (CSR), the project will generate employment opportunities and supply inexpensive, dependable, clean energy. As he noted, "In fact, Kenya and France have long enjoyed friendly relations, particularly in the energy sector, and this cooperation continues to advance our energy infrastructure for the benefit of the wonderful people of Kenya.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of KenGen, Eng. Peter Njenga, called the collaboration appropriate, adding that the firm was aiming to move Kenya closer to a 100% green energy transition by increasing the amount of electricity it could produce from clean sources.

As you are aware, Kenya wants to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030, and KenGen is dedicated to helping Kenya reach this goal." The collaboration with AFD has been crucial in helping us reach this noteworthy accomplishment, and we have come a long way toward our objective. In 28 months, we will add more renewable energy to the national grid when we complete our 42.5 MW solar power project, stated by Eng Njenga.